Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino
Zimpapers Politics Hub
FOREIGN Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira yesterday reiterated Zimbabwe’s commitment to advancing a non-adversarial foreign policy that places its integrity, dignity and prosperity within an enabling international environment characterised by peaceful co-existence.
He made the remarks at the 249th anniversary of the independence of the United States during a reception held at the US Embassy in Harare.
The US marks its independence day on July 4, but this year’s celebration in Zimbabwe has been held earlier to accommodate embassy staff who will be leaving their stations.
In his speech, Prof Murwira said Zimbabwe will implement its foreign policy within the matrix of bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks that enhance the integration of all nations for the well-being and progress of humanity.
“The best philosophy of Zimbabwe’s foreign relations and international trade policy is that of advancing the integrity, dignity and prosperity of Zimbabwe within a conducive and enabling international environment, characterised by peaceful co-existence with other nations, non-adversarial, non-judgmental relationships.
“Our foreign relations doctrine is founded on parameters or points of reference to guide how we interact with the international world, first of all, to be a friend to all and an enemy to none. Zimbabwe shall not seek any adversarial relationship,” Prof Murwira said.
The country’s top diplomat indicated Zimbabwe’s openness to transparent and non-exploitative business relationships in its endeavour to remain a sovereign and independent state, taking a leaf from the USA.
“Zimbabwe is open for business, open to fair cooperation and it is open to deepen relations with the rest of the world, particularly with the US.
“We wish, therefore, to invite all potential US investors to come and invest in Zimbabwe,” Prof Murwira said.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is enhancing the investment climate with a view to safeguarding investors’ interests and guaranteeing the protection of investments.
“In 45 years, we have learnt a lot. We are still learning a lot. We are not 249 years. While we are liberated in our mind . . . we should not forget who we are and where we are coming from. In this way, we endeavour and we shall forever be sovereign and independent”.
Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Pamela Tremont reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Zimbabwe’s prosperity through the expansion of economic opportunities that bring benefits to both sides.
“That is what we celebrate today. The opportunity for a stronger US-Zimbabwe relationship. The opportunity for a deal that benefits both sides. The administration’s goal is to increase US exports and to trade with Africa.
“For two-way trade to grow and new investments to flourish, responsibility lies with Zimbabwe to create an enabling environment for companies to succeed,” Ambassador Tremont said.
The event was attended by senior Zimbabwean Government officials, members of the diplomatic community, business leaders, civil society, academics and alumni of US exchange programmes.
